Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Give or Give Up?

Rather than give up something for Lent, this year I'm challenging myself to GIVE something. American Patchwork and Quilting is sponsoring the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge this year and I've decided that for every week of the Lent season (6 weeks) I'm going to make at least 1 pillowcase to donate to a local charity.

If you'd like to join me in this, I've posted my pillowcase instructions below. And each week I'll be listing a new pillowcase kit in my shop at a discount. This week's fabrics are Love U by Deb Strain for Moda and Essential Dots by Riley Blake Designs.

Pillowcase Instructions:

Supplies:

3/4 yard main fabric

1/8 yard trim fabric

1/3 yard cuff fabric

Step 1

Cut down the 1/8 yard trim piece to your desired size. I've used 2.5" here. Fold the piece in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and pin (or press.)

Step 2

Lay the main fabric right side up with the selvages on the right and left side (cut edges at the top and bottom.) Align your folded trim piece along the raw edge of the top of the main fabric and pin.

Step 3

Pin your cuff fabric, right sides together, to the main fabric/trim combination.

Step 4

Flip your fabric "sandwich" over so that the cuff fabric is now laying against the table.

Step 5

Starting at the bottom of the main fabric, fold up the main fabric until all of the fabric is gathered over the top half of the cuff fabric.

Step 6

Take the bottom edge of the cuff fabric, and bring it over the rolled up main fabric. Pin the raw edges. The trim and main fabric are now inside a "tube" created by the cuff fabric.

Step 7

Sew with a 1/4" seam along the raw edge.

Step 8

Reach into the "tube" and pull out the main fabric (the cuff fabric will turn right side out at the same time.)

Step 9

Press well.

Step 10

Trim off the selvages and even up the fabrics along the long edge of the case.

Step 11

Sew the side and bottom seams. Finish with a serger or zig-zag stitch. Or you could use French Seams.

What a wonderful idea! I don't think I can commit to one a week like you, but I will definately make at least one this Lent. I hope you don't mind, but I linked to your post on my latest Of Sound Mind and Spirit column on Lenten ideas. http://soundmindandspirit.blogspot.com/2010/02/more-lenten-aids.html

Hi - I know this an older post, but what a great tutorial! I made 2 today super fast, am going to my LQS to drop 'em off & help sew dolls for kids, too. The first pillowcase, I made a dumb mistake...my prints were directional, and I sewed the cuff so it was upside down. If you have directional prints, be sure to line up the same sides of the selvage.